Journalist wins award for Indigenous-focused podcast
April 6, 2023
Former Digital Media Studies student Tchadas Leo shares his story Building skills for a career in broadcast journalism brought Tchadas Leo to Vancouver Island University in 2009. Fast forward to today and he now hosts the award-winning podcast Our Native Land. The podcast explores “all things... Read more
Nature lovers asked to head outdoors and become citizen scientists during BioBlitz
April 4, 2023
Volunteers can help contribute to biodiversity research by collecting information on flora and fauna. Nature lovers are invited to head outdoors for science during the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR) BioBlitz this April. “We’re grateful to everyone who volunteers! Each observation improves... Read more
VIU receives NAFA Clean Air Award, emphasizing health, comfort and the Sustainable Development Goals
April 3, 2023
Vancouver Island University (VIU) is pleased to share that it has received the National Air Filtration Association (NAFA) Clean Air Award for maintaining high air filtration standards at its Nanaimo campus. This recognition demonstrates the University's ongoing commitment to providing a healthy and... Read more
New courses at Vancouver Island University offer deep dive into Island culture
April 1, 2023
Marmot Yoga, Glamping 101, Sasquatch Psychology and more available starting April 1, 2028. Students can get in touch with the finer (and furrier) aspects of Island living with a new lineup of courses available at Vancouver Island University (VIU). From yoga with the Vancouver Island marmot, to... Read more
VIU News & Experts: March 29, 2023
March 29, 2023
Featured in this issue: Planetary alignment expert What's in store for Island tourism? How honeybees are affected by climate change VIU's largest student research conference Reach out to us for experts for your stories! Featured experts Dr. Gregory Arkos on planetary alignment Five planets –... Read more
VIU researcher developing better tools to detect and manage bacterial infections in salmon
March 27, 2023
Dr. Spencer Russell is pursuing his research with the help of NSERC and Mitacs grants. Dr. Spencer Russell is working to understand and manage bacterial infections in salmon. Russell, a Vancouver Island University (VIU) Fisheries and Aquaculture Associate Professor, is researching Tenacibaculum.... Read more
Alum of the month: Trevor Ballantyne
March 24, 2023
When Trevor Ballyntine was growing up, graduating from high school seemed like a stretch – never mind university. Now Trevor, who graduated from VIU’s Liberal Studies program last spring, is on his way to becoming a lawyer. He recently had the opportunity to meet Justice Russell Brown of the... Read more
Alum of the Month: Drew Milne
March 15, 2023
Growing up on Vancouver Island, Drew Milne explored the great outdoors whenever he got the chance, so it’s not surprising he gravitated towards a career as a BC Conservation Officer. Last fall, the provincial government recognized him for his excellent service in this role with the Conservation... Read more
VIU News & Experts: March 15, 2023
March 15, 2023
Featured in this issue: World Water Day experts Planning for more age-friendly communities Tuition waiver program for former youth in care expanded Indigenous Speakers Series Reach out to us for experts for your stories! Featured experts World Water Day on March 22 is about accelerating change... Read more
VIU researcher examining pelvic health histories to help address gaps and inequities in care
March 15, 2023
Dr. Whitney Wood received more than half a million dollars from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to pursue her study. Studies on women’s health tend to focus on reproduction. Vancouver Island University (VIU) researcher Dr. Whitney Wood believes this has led to gaps and inequities in care... Read more

VIU Voices
Here you will find helpful information about new initiatives at VIU, process and policies changes that affect how we work, stories about the people who make up this fantastic community and examples of the life-changing work our employees undertake on a regular basis.

Speaker Series
Vancouver Island University organizes several annual speaker series as well as visiting guest lectures, one-off talks and other speaker events of interest to the wider public. Learn more and view the upcoming calendar on our Speaker Series website.